UK environment minister pledges EUTR will remain after Brexit

UK environment minister Dr Therese Coffey has assured the timber sector that the EU Timber Regulation and FLEGT will continue after Brexit.

The minister made the commitment at the Confederation of Timber Industries (CTI) parliamentary reception at Westminster on February 7.

The CTI has led the campaign to ensure that EU timber regulations are incorporated into domestic law after the UK leaves the EU in 2019.

“When we leave the EU, the Withdrawal Bill will make sure the whole body of European environmental law continues to have effect in UK law, Dr Coffey said.

“This means bringing into UK law two regulations that the UK timber sector played a great role in shaping: the European Union Timber Regulation and the Forest Law Environment Governance and Trade Regulation. I want to thank your industry for your continued commitment to a responsible and sustainable trade in timber.”

David Hopkins, director of the CTI, welcomed the pledge of continuity for the EUTR and FLEGT. “The timber industries have worked closely with the Government to lead the development of these EU regulations, which have enabled the UK to become a global champion for responsibly-sourced timber.

“Incorporating the principles underpinning the EUTR and FLEGT into domestic law will enable the UK timber industries to continue to flourish.”

These EU regulations prohibit the selling of illegally logged timber in the EU, including within the UK.